It was a shocking move that left many Atlanta Braves fans scratching their heads - the decision to let Kevin Gausman slip away. The right-handed pitcher was a crucial part of the Braves' rotation, consistently delivering strong performances on the mound. But despite his success with the team, the Braves opted not to bring him back for the 2020 season.
The Rise of Kevin Gausman
Kevin Gausman was drafted fourth overall by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012, showcasing his potential as a top prospect. After spending several years with the Orioles, Gausman was traded to the Braves in 2018, where he quickly made an impact. Gausman had an impressive 2019 season with the Braves, posting a 3.92 ERA in 16 starts and proving himself to be a reliable starter.
Many fans and analysts expected the Braves to prioritize re-signing Gausman during the offseason, considering his strong performance and the team's need for pitching depth. However, the Braves surprised everyone by letting Gausman enter free agency, where he eventually signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants.
The Braves' Pitching Woes
With the departure of Gausman, the Braves found themselves in a precarious position with their pitching staff. While the team had some promising young arms, they lacked the experience and consistency that Gausman brought to the rotation. As the 2020 season unfolded, the Braves struggled to find reliable starting pitching beyond their top arms.
The absence of Gausman became even more glaring as the Braves navigated injuries and underperformance from their pitchers. Fans began to question the decision to let Gausman go, especially as he continued to excel with the Giants and solidify himself as a dependable starter in the National League.
Impact on the 2020 Season
As the Braves battled for a playoff spot in the shortened 2020 season, the absence of Gausman loomed large. The team's pitching staff faced challenges and inconsistencies, with some of the younger arms struggling to fill the void left by Gausman's departure. The impact of his absence was felt in crucial games, as the Braves fought to secure a postseason berth.
Fans and analysts alike couldn't help but wonder how different the Braves' season might have been with Gausman in the rotation. His ability to eat innings and deliver quality starts could have been a difference-maker for a team that was on the cusp of a deep playoff run.
Regrets and What-Ifs
As the season progressed, the decision to let Gausman go weighed heavily on the minds of Braves' management and fans. The team's struggles highlighted the importance of reliable pitching, and Gausman's absence served as a constant reminder of what could have been. Some began to question whether the Braves had made a costly mistake by not bringing him back.
Despite the hindsight regrets, the Braves stood by their decision and focused on moving forward with the pitching options they had. While Gausman continued to excel with the Giants, the Braves worked to address their pitching needs through other means, seeking to find stability in a crucial area of their roster.
The Giants' Gain
On the other side of the coin, Kevin Gausman's move to the Giants proved to be a boon for San Francisco. Gausman quickly established himself as a key contributor to the Giants' rotation, showcasing his talent and consistency on the mound. His performance with the Giants further underscored the impact he could have had with the Braves.
For the Giants, Gausman's signing became a bright spot in their season, as he provided stability and reliability in a rotation that needed a boost. His presence helped anchor the pitching staff and contributed to the Giants' surprising success in the shortened 2020 season, solidifying his value as a sought-after pitcher in the league.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settled on the 2020 season, the Braves faced the reality of a missed opportunity in Kevin Gausman. The decision to let him go raised questions about the team's approach to building and maintaining a competitive roster. Moving forward, the Braves must assess their pitching needs and learn from the impact of Gausman's departure.
While the Braves have promising young arms and veteran starters in their rotation, the absence of a consistent presence like Gausman was felt throughout the season. As they prepare for the future, the Braves will need to address their pitching depth and consider how they can avoid similar situations in the years to come.
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